Rolls-Royce global sales down 7% in 2015 on China slump

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars sold 3,785 units of its hand-built motor car globally in 2015. Although the figures are the carmaker’s second-highest sales in its 112-year history, the numbers went down 6.84 percent in 2015 compared to the previous year when it sold a record 4,063 units.

Commenting on the year sales, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, said, “2015 was a year of tremendous challenge for the entire luxury industry. I am very proud of our success which was achieved against a backdrop of considerable global uncertainty. We have proven that our long-term strategy of globally balanced, sustainable and profitable growth is delivering and we have maintained our position as the world’s leading luxury manufacturer. I am quietly confident of a strong year in 2016.”

Record sales were reported in Asia Pacific (up 13 percent), the Middle East (up 4 percent) and North America (up 6 percent). Individual markets that recorded record results included Korea (up 73 percent), Japan (up 7 percent), Qatar (up 21 percent), Russia (up 1 percent), UK (up 2 percent) and USA (up 7 percent). Emerging markets such as Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Kazakhstan all showed promising growth.

However in China, significant headwinds impacted negatively on the entire luxury sector and Rolls‑Royce was not immune to these developments mainly due to the slowing economy and new anti-bribery laws. The region reported sales down 54 percent compared to 2014.

Sales were driven by the enduring success of Wraith and Ghost family motor cars, whilst Phantom remained the company’s pinnacle product globally.

Throughout 2015, significant building and expansion work also continued at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, where the company is investing heavily in a new single-line manufacturing system that will drive the company’s long-term product strategy.

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